Thousands of protesters on Thursday stormed Burkina Faso's parliament building and clashed with security forces outside the presidential palace in Ouagadougou, the Guardian reported. The crowd is demanding the ouster of President Blaise Compaoré, who has ruled the west African nation for the past 27 years.

The demonstrations began when Compaoré tried to change the country's constitution stand for re-election next year. Parliament was to hold a vote on the proposal Thursday, NBC News said. Security forces are said to have fired live rounds and protester marching toward Compaoré's official residence, according to the Guardian. At least three individuals were reported dead.

The embattled leader declared a state of emergency. In a statement read on local radio, Compaoré announced he had dissolved the government and tasked the armed forces with restoring order. Nevertheless, he vowed to "open talks with all the actors to end the crisis."

Army Gen. Honore Traore announced a 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, according to the Miami Herald. Traore, the joint chief of staff, said the parliament had been dissolved, as well.

The 63-year-old Compaoré came to power in a 1987 coup deposed and killed Thomas Sankara, his predecessor. Compaoré had close ties for the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Seydou Kabre, who helped storm the parliament building in Ouagadougou, told Reuters that the president was trying to cling to power for too long. "We are tired of him," Kabre said. "We want a change. He must go!"

The parliament building was engulfed in flames, and the critical vote on Compaoré's could not be held, the Miami Herald said. "It is over for the regime!" and "We do not want him again!" were among the shouts heard in the capital, the newspaper added. Protesters also attacked the homes of government officials. Looting was reported in Burkina Faso's second largest city, Bobo Dioulasso.

Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, has a population of about 17 million. The Miami Herald called it "one of the world's poorest countries."